When I decided to set the Edge of the Outback romance series in Corner Country, New South Wales, I had a fair bit of research to do. Whilst I have lived and worked in outback Queensland and also Alice Springs this was an area that I had not visited. At the time when I was beginning the first book in that series, I was unable to go on a road trip. Hence I made good work of both Google and the local library.
I came across many excellent sites which gave me both a visual feel as well as a narrative feel for the area. One of the websites I visited was: https://visitcornercountry.com.au/corner-country-towns/
And also: https://www.redzaustralia.com/2017/03/corner-country-tibooburra-milparinka-cameron-corner/
Photos courtesy of www.redzaustralia.com website
Having travelled through the Outback, I was already aware of the vastness, the flatness and that amazing stillness that permeates the very air you breathe – like a breathless hush just waiting for something to happen. I like to think of my story’s setting as another character; one that will add depth, atmosphere and also one that I can use to heighten the emotion a character is feeling, or add tension to a scene.
The tors (termed Jump-ups) where Maggie and Jace in my book, Under an Outback Sky, go camping do exist. http://www.geomaps.com.au/scripts/sturtnp.php
Photo below taken from Geomaps website
The NSW National Parks website also has some excellent information: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sturt-national-park
Photo courtesy of National Parks NSW website.
I also researched the weather patterns along with flora and fauna that grows in the area – in particular the Sturt Desert Pea. When I delved deeper into that particular flower, I discovered some wonderful First Nation people’s legends regarding its origin and which I mentioned in my book.
Researching your setting is a fabulous opportunity for a road trip or holiday. Maybe I’ll see you on the road one day.
Is he her enemy or her future?
When a handsome stranger arrives in a remote outback town, Maggie Hayes’ almost forgotten dreams are re-awakened. For too long, she’s denied her adventurous spirit and now suddenly her future is filled with wonderful possibilities. At least it will be if only this intriguing man isn’t her beloved town’s enemy.
A past tragedy has led Jace de Haven to live without the complications of family or companionship. Yet when he meets small-town Maggie, her big heart and vibrant community spirit show him what he’s been missing. Can he find it in his soul to forgive and allow old wounds to heal?
But to have the future they crave, Maggie and Jace will need to take a leap of faith - together.
***
Under an Outback Sky is a love story and the fourth book in the Edge of the Outback series. The book is about forgiving the past and finding the courage to forge a new direction in life. If you love reading about small towns, country and rural communities (like Bindarra Creek romances) then you’ll love this series – similar to books by Barbara Hannay, Bella Andre, Melody Grace, Nora Roberts, Maisey Yates, Sarah Williams, Susanne Bellamy, Annie Seaton, Fiona McArthur, Heidi McLaughlin.
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About the Author
S. E. takes a keen interest in the environment, anything to do with space, and loves walking her two dogs and spending time with her family and friends. She co-runs the Hunter Romance Writers group and is the organiser behind the multi-author writing ventures: the best-selling Bindarra Creek Romance series, the Deadly Forces series, and the Mindalby Outback Romance series.
Suzanne Gilchrist on the web:
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Interesting to read about your ideas on research. And your new book sounds interesting. Congrats on the new release.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal. I love the research aspect of writing - I learn so many new things as well as 'visiting' new places.
DeleteInteresting research and the book sounds good
ReplyDeleteAppreciate you joining us here Christine. Have a great week
DeleteEverything has to be researched thoroughly before starting to write a book, or even a blogpost, or an article.
ReplyDeleteThat is true Duta. Thank you for dropping by
DeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajani
DeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteResearch never goes astray does it? Having lived in country NSW these photos brought back memories. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteExactly - I usually dont use everything I discover however I always keep a file for my research as I often re-visit with a view to using it elsewhere. Research can sometimes trigger new ideas for me too. Thankyou for dropping by
DeleteHow awesome that you get to travel to do research. All the best with the book! Sounds a good read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy for joining us here and all the best for a great week.
DeleteThanks Mandy. I hope you have a fabulous week.
DeleteThank you for popping in at my blog. I have briefly lived in the outback, as a kitchen/housemaid on a sheep station when I was 16, so I know of the vastness, the emptiness, the dead quiet of a dark night. I hadn't ever thought of researching areas I pretend to write about, my short Friday stories are fictional anyway and I haven't thought about putting the characters in any definite locations.
ReplyDeleteDef channel those memories River and use in your writing - it will add depth, atmosphere and really place the reader right there with you in your story. All the best and happy writing.
DeleteThanks for commenting on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI remember Red's blog, from memory I used to follow it a long time ago...great blog.
I had a cousin and his wife when they retired about aged 50 they headed off to the outback with their caravan and worked at Stations, he as a handyman, she as a teaches, cook, cleaner whatever was needed, they wrote many letters to me at that time - they did that for 10 years.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Friday haiku is about all I write any more, although I used to write short stories, my fav read. (My patience wears thin these days) :) Even though I do love to write. Writing a story gets me involved and it seems as though I am there, alongside the characters, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see. I have been thinking about writing again. The most recent novel I read was Painting The Light by Sally Cabot Gunning and truly enjoyed it. Thinking I might also enjoy your latest.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to write short stories is a real skill, I hope you pick up the pen/keyboard again JC. My book although not a short story is also not a long read, it may a length you will enjoy. All the best and thank you for joining me here.
DeleteWhat a great amount of research, lovely photos and that cover for the book, perfect!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for dropping by
DeleteSuper :)
ReplyDeletewonderful views....
ReplyDeleteInteresting book to read....
The landscape in the Outback is quite stunning. Thankyou for joining us here on the blog.
DeleteI think of my setting as a character too. Loved these pictures- wow! Sounds like lots of interesting research. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you here and thank you so much for commenting.
DeleteFascinating.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you found the post interesting Hena. Thanks so much for dropping by.
DeleteThe outback of Australia reminds me a little of the wild west of the US. Cool setting for a book!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about the wild west of the US - I still read westerns! Lovely to see you here Sherry and all the best for a great week.
Deletegreat place to visit one day....
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing fantastic photos
So interesting post, i like so much
ReplyDeleteKisses
www.pimentadeacucar.com
A very good investigation for recreate and build the story. The photographs are from a very desert zone. I prefer the Green áreas. But variety is necessary too.
ReplyDeleteSo great post
ReplyDeleteKisses
www.pimentadeacucar.com